If you have received legal advice from a solicitor that it is likely you will be sentenced to a full-time term of imprisonment as a penalty, there are a few things you may want to consider before you are sentenced.

Before the Sentence Date

One of the most common decisions you will have if you are going to jail, is who you are going to nominate to look after their personal affairs whilst you are serving your time. Such things you may want to consider include:

1. Who is going to liaise with your bank regarding your financial affairs?
2. Who will deal with your real estate agent if you are renting?
3. Who will deal with your energy, electricity, and internet providers, including any other providers where you may have set up a direct debit payment?

You may have to sign a Power of Attorney appointing someone who can act on your behalf whilst you are in custody. If this is something you are considering, you should seek legal advice before appointing someone to act as your Power of Attorney.

On the Sentence Date

On the day of your sentence, you should have the following:

1. A list of phone numbers written on a piece of paper so that this can be put into your address book by Corrective Services;
2. Cash ( less than $100.00) to be deposited into your account to pay for calls or other food purchases;
3. Reading glasses (if required);
4. A note/letter from your doctor that outlines any prescription medication you are taking, so that this document can be provided to the nurse at the Correctional Centre.

To find out what other sentencing options are available, click here.

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